A Comprehensive Guide to Register DBA in Texas

The state of Texas requires that any business that wants to operate under any name other than the one lawfully given to the entity must register DBA in Texas. A DBA, also known as an "assumed name," simply grants a business the right to operate under a name other than its legal name, which may be more recognizable or marketable to customers. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process for how to register a DBA in Texas, the associated costs, and how to file both online and in person.

Read more: Texas Company Formation

What Is a DBA?

A DBA, or Doing Business As, is a business name used when the doing business name is different from the owner's legal name, the partnership name, or the LLC or corporate name. In Texas, a person, partnership, corporation, or LLC conducting business under a name other than their own legal name must file a register DBA in Texas.

For example, if you have a sole proprietorship in your name but would like to market yourself under "Joe's Plumbing Solutions" and not "Joe Smith," you would want to file a DBA for "Joe's Plumbing Solutions." The process for a DBA is relatively simple and, in Texas, this is done at the county level or with the Texas Secretary of State, depending on the structure of your business.

Demystifying DBAs: What You Need to Know About Doing Business As

Why Register a DBA in Texas?

Any business owner might have several reasons to file for a register DBA in Texas. Some of the most crucial reasons are:

• Brand Identity: You will be able to brand your business with a more marketable or unique name that is very easy to remember for customers.
• Diversity: You can operate multiple businesses with different names under different identities sans formation of new legal entities.
• Legal Compliance: Texas law requires that any business operating under a different name from its legal name file a DBA for this reason-so it provides some level of transparency to customers and the public.

Discover the Benefits of Registering a DBA in Texas

Steps to Register a DBA in Texas

Register DBA in Texas is relatively easy to do, and there are a few basic steps you need to take. How you file for your DBA-whether with the county clerk or with the Texas Secretary of State-depends on whether you're a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or an LLC.

1. Choose Your DBA Name

Before filing, you will want to make sure that your desired register DBA in Texas name is available and not currently in use by another business. You can conduct a name search on the Texas Secretary of State website.

2. Filings the Assumed Name Certificate

• After verifying your desired name is available, you will then need to file an Assumed Name Certificate. The method you will use for filing will be determined by how your business is structured:
• Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership you will file your assumed name certificate in the office of the county clerk where your business is located.
• Corporations and LLCs: Since your business is a corporation or an LLC, you will be filing your assumed name certificate with the Texas Secretary of State. You also may have to make a filing at the county level in case you are operating your business under DBA in any specific county.

3. Pay the Filing Fee

How much does it cost to file a register DBA in Texas? Costs for filing a DBA in Texas vary based on where you are filing. The county filing fee typically ranges between $15-$25 depending on the county where you file. Filings with the Texas Secretary of State typically will be $25. There is also an additional fee that you may have to pay when filing online or when requesting certified copies of your filing.

4. Renew Your DBA

DBAs filed in Texas must be renewed every 10 years, so be sure to mark the renewal date on your calendar or you could receive fines or even lose your business name to another owner.

Registering a DBA With the State of Texas

If your business is organized as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership, you'll file your register DBA in Texas - A with the Texas Secretary of State. You can register a DBA by submitting Form 503 - the Assumed Name Certificate - via mail or online through the website of the Texas Secretary of State.

To register with the state, you will need to:

• Submit Form 503 which includes your business legal name, the DBA name you want to file, and other business information.
• Fill out the form and submit it with a $25 filing fee.
• If you want to file online, then you will have to visit the Secretary of State online filing portal

Setting Up a DBA in Texas for Sole Proprietorships

You file your register DBA in Texas in the county in which your sole proprietorship or general partnership is located. Although the specific filing process can vary slightly from county to county, it generally entails the following:

1. Acquiring an Assumed Name Certificate form from the county clerk's office.
2. Filing this form in person or by mail with the county clerk's office where your business operates.
3. Payment of the relevant filing fee-typically between $15 and $25.

Some counties allow filing online, and some require filing in person or via postal mail.

How to Set Up a DBA in Texas for Your Sole Proprietorship

File a DBA in Texas

Based on the type of structure for your business and which county you are operating in you may have the ability to file your register DBA in Texas online or in-person. The Texas Secretary of State has an online filing portal for corporations and LLC's, and typically the County Clerk is where sole proprietorships and partnerships submit their DBA

To file your DBA online:

1. Access the Texas Secretary of State's official website.
2. Login using the SOSDirect system.
3. Complete the Assumed Name Certificate form - Form 503.
4. Upload your completed form for filing along with the filing fee of $25.

Filing at the county level, you will need to check with your country clerk's office if they accept online filing or if you will need to file in person.

Cost of DBA in Texas

The cost of a DBA filing in Texas is dependent on where you file and your business type:

• Texas Secretary of State: You can file an assumed name certificate for $25.
• County Clerk: You can expect to pay filing fees with the County Clerk ranging from $15 to $25. Some counties may charge extra for certified copies or additional services.

The fees are somewhat reasonable, but remember that DBAs usually must be renewed every decade, and you will probably be required to pay the same fees at renewal.

Understanding the Cost of Registering a DBA in Texas

Apply for DBA Online in Texas

Most businesses would prefer filing their DBA online rather than go through the headache and hassle of paperwork. Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect online system facilitates filing your DBA from anyplace at the comfort of your house for corporations and LLCs.

1. Here's how to file for a DBA online in Texas:
2. Access the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect website.
3. Create an account or log in.
4. Fill out Form 503-the Assumed Name Certificate.
5. Submit your form and the $25 filing fee using your credit card or an electronic check.

You will get a confirmation and copy of your filing after it has been processed.

Filing online is generally the most expedient, with most filings taking a few days from the date of receipt.

Convenient and Fast: How to Apply for a DBA Online in Texas

Conclusion

Filing a register DBA in Texas is a fairly straightforward process. This filing has a great deal of advantages, one of them being that you can operate under a business name that best suits your customers. Depending on the structure, this may be filed as a sole proprietor with the county clerk in your locality or as an LLC or corporation with the Secretary of State. Knowing what is required of you and how these filings are processed will keep you compliant and protected. Take full advantage of online filing tools, which make this process easier, so you can get back to building your business under a professional and marketable name.